India vs England 1st ODI: Why Players And Fans Applauded For 45 Seconds Before The Match

India and England are playing first ODI at Edgbaston on Tuesday, however, just before the first inning started there was a 45-second applause that included players, officials and fans to honour former England captain Bob Wills. This applause was a part of the tribute to 'Blue for Bob' campaign. 'Blue for Bob' is a campaign to raise awareness about prostate cancer and for life-saving research.

This was an emotional moment for England, as it highlighted Bob Wills's contribution to cricket and also his campaign's work towards early diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.

'Blue for Bob' Campaign Marks Its Final Chapter

The campaign 'Blue for Bob' started after the death of Bob Wills in 2019 from prostate cancer. Since the campaign has been been a regular part of England's home season since 2021, this campaign has collected almost £2.2 million (around ₹28.35 crore) for research and spread awareness.

Looking forward to a special day at Edgbaston in support of The Bob Willis Fund 💙

For the final time, let’s go Blue For Bob 👊 pic.twitter.com/zaPYmgZq9C

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 14, 2026

As the applause concluded, Bob Will's wife and The Bob Willis Fund co-founder Lauren Clark said, "Blue For Bob began as a way to celebrate Bob and to try to stop other families from suffering as we have. This final year is our chance to say thank you, to celebrate everything the Fund has achieved, and to ask people to give one last time to help save a life like Bob's."

Harry Brook Pays Tribute To Bob Willis

England's skipper Harry Brook also give tribute to Bob Wills, he said his fast bowling gives significance for the current generation of England players.

Harry Brook said, "Bob Willis is a huge part of the game's history, and it means a lot to the players to be part of this final tribute. If today helps even one more person get checked or act earlier, then that is a powerful legacy."

This 45 second applause was not just a part of campaign tribute but also to tribute one of England's best cricketers.

Who Was Bob Willis?

Bob Willis was England's one of the best fast bowlers he represented England in 90 test matches from 1971 to 1984 and took 325 wickets. With that, he was one of the leading wicket takers for England. His one of the most remembered performance was in 1981 Headingley Ashes test match, where he took 8 wickets and scored 43 runs to make one of the greatest comeback victory against Australia.

Willis led England in 18 test matches before retiring from international cricket.